For parents going through divorce, child support-related issues will often make up the bulk of concerns and a big portion of time.
Child support looks different for every couple depending on numerous factors like the income of the parent paying support. This is why it is important for a parent to understand what support payments cover.
Looking at college tuition
Many parents want to know whether or not they also have to contribute to college tuition when paying for child support. According to College Tuition Compare, a Florida student can expect to pay $4,242 for in-state education per year and $16,535 for out-of-state tuition.
Florida state laws do not, however, require a parent paying child support to cover college tuition. This is mostly due to the fact that child support orders end when the child turns 18. As most people will attend college after that age, it renders the provision of tuition aid moot.
Settling tuition costs in advance
The best way of handling one parent paying for some of a child’s college tuition is to figure that out in advance.
Come to an agreement in the divorce settlement itself before the judge finalizes it. In order for the decision to legally bind both parties, it must get written down in a document that both parties then sign.
Consider other expenses when making this agreement, too. The document can include traveling expenses, housing, books and more.
Additionally, it is possible to come up with numerous ways to make payments. For example, it is possible to set up a college fund that both parents contribute to over time.
